Methods and compositions for controlling weed infestation and improving grass quality

ABSTRACT

Methods for controlling unwanted vegetation, such as weeds, to turfgrass by applying an active compound combination including a triazolinone herbicide, for example, sulfonylamino-carbonyl-triazolinone, and at least one sulfonylurea herbicides, to turfgrass is described herein. The disclosure also provides for active compound combinations and methods of improving turfgrass quality.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/652,558, filed May 29, 2012, the contents of which is incorporatedherewith by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

Methods for controlling unwanted vegetation, such as weeds, to turfgrassby applying an active compound combination including a triazolinoneherbicide, for example, sulfonylamino-carbonyl-triazolinone, and atleast one sulfonylurea herbicide, to turfgrass is described herein. Thedisclosure also provides for active compound combinations and methods ofimproving turfgrass quality.

BACKGROUND

Grass lawns and turfgrass are dominant landscape features of manyresidences and commercial properties. Turfgrass are also increasinglyprevalent in gardens and recreational areas, such as golf courses. Giventhe high visibility of these recreational, residential, and commercialareas, maintaining the color, uniformity, and durability of grass is ofcontinued importance.

A wide variety of grass, such as turfgrass, is susceptible to unwantedvegetation, such as annual and perennial grass weeds, sedges andkyllingas, and broadleaf weeds, that negatively influences both thequality and durability of the grass. Such weeds include dallisgrass(Paspalum dilatatum), sedges (Cyperus spp.), kyllingas (Kylling a spp.),bull paspalum (Paspalum setaceum), vaseygrass (Paspalum urvillei),Alexandergrass (Brachiaria plantaginea), tropical signalgrass (Urochloasubquadripara), goosegrass (Eleusine indica), doveweed (Murdannianudiflora), creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), annual bluegrass(Poa annua), roughstalk bluegrass (Poa trivialis), transition ryegrassgallium spp.), tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix/Festuca arundinacea),and crabgrass (Digitaria spp.), dollarweed/pennywort (Hydrocotyle spp.),spurge (Chamaescyce spp.), Virginia buttonweed (Diodia virginiana),little barley (Hordeum pusillum), carpetweed (Mollugo verticillata),common chickweed (Stellaria media), mouseear chickweed (Cerastiumvulgatum), hop clover (Trifolium spp.), rabbitfoot clover (Trifoliumarvense), white clover (trifolium repens), common vetch (Vicia sativa),cudweed (Gnaphalium, Pseudognaphalium and Gamochaeta spp.), cutleafevening primrose (Oenothera laciniata), Carolina false dandelion(Pyrrhopappus carolinianus), Florida pusley (Richardia scabra), hairybittercress (Cardamine hirsuta), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), knawel(Scleranthus annuus), London rocket (Sisymbrium irio), buckhorn plantain(Plantago lanceolata), paleseed plantain (Plantago virginica),sphepherdspurse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), corn speedwell (Veronicaarvensis), Texas toadflax (Nuttallanthus texanus), common cocklebur(Xanthium strumarium), Philadelphia fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus),Venice mallow (Hibiscus trionum), maypop passionflower (Passifloraincarnata), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), common pokeweed(Phytolacca Americana), wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum), commonragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida),Pennsylvania smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum), common sunflower(Helianthus annus), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), bahiagrass(Paspalum notatum), Carolina geranium (Geranium carolinanum),parsley-piert (Aphanes microcarpa), spurge (Chamaesyce spp.), and yellowwoodsorrel (Oxalis stricta).

The weeds detract from the beauty of lawns due to the contrast in colorand texture between the desired grass plants and the weeds.Consequently, weeds detract from the uniformity of a turf and add to itsmaintenance requirements. In addition, the weeds compete with thedesired grass plants for available water and nutrients, usuallyresulting in thinning of desirable plant cover.

Active compound combinations comprising known substitutedthien-3-yl-sulphonylamino(thio)carbonyltriazolin(ethi)one and one ormore known herbicidally active compounds are known to be effectiveherbicides (US 2010/0261680, US 2009/0203526).

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for an active compound combinationcomprising a triazolinone herbicide, for examplesulfonylamino-carbonyl-triazolinone, and at least one sulfonylureaherbicide.

Examples of triazolinone herbicide include sulfentrazone andthiencarbazone-methyl, and examples of a sulfonylurea herbicide includeforamsulfuron, flazasulfuron, and rimsulfuron, halosulfuron-methyl,sulfosulfuron, and trifloxysulfuron-sodium.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for an active compound combinationcomprising thiencarbazone-methyl and halosulfuron-methyl. In an aspect,the disclosure provides for an active compound combination comprisingthiencarbazone-methyl and furamsulfuron.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for an active compound combinationcomprising a triazolinone herbicide, for examplesulfonylamino-carbonyl-triazolinone, and two sulfonylurea herbicides.

Examples of triazolinone herbicide include sulfentrazone andthiencarbazone-methyl, and examples of one sulfonylurea herbicideinclude foramsulfuron, flazasulfuron, and rimsulfuron, and examples ofthe other sulfonylurea herbicide include halosulfuron-methyl,sulfosulfuron, and trifloxysulfuron-sodium.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for an active compound combinationcomprising thiencarbazone-methyl, foramsulfuron, andhalosulfuron-methyl.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a method of controlling weedsin turfgrass by applying the active compound combination describedherein to turfgrass.

In an aspect, the weeds are monocotyledonous weeds. In an aspect, theweeds are dicotyledonous weeds.

In an aspect, an active compound combination described herein areapplied to turfgrass in separate application steps or together in thesame application step.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described hereinat a ratio of about 0.5 to 50:0.5-15 for triazolinone herbicide to asulfonylurea herbicide. In an aspect, the disclosure provides for acombination described herein at a ratio of about 0.5 to 25:0.5-10 fortriazolinone herbicide to a sulfonylurea herbicide.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described hereinwith about 5% to about 15% by weight of a triazolinone herbicide, andabout 15% to about 25% of a sulfonylurea herbicide, and about 25% toabout 35% by weight of another sulfonylurea herbicide.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described hereinat a ratio of about 0.1 to 10:0.1 to 10:0.1 to 20 for triazolinoneherbicide to sulfonylurea herbicide to sulfonylurea herbicide. In anaspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described herein at aratio of about 0.1 to 5:0.1 to 5:0.1 to 10 for triazolinone herbicide tosulfonylurea herbicide to sulfonylurea herbicide. In an aspect, thedisclosure provides for a combination described herein at a ratio ofabout 0.5 to 1.5:1.5 to 2.5:2.5 to 3.5 for triazolinone herbicide tosulfonylurea herbicide to sulfonylurea herbicide.

The disclosure also provides for a combination described herein withabout 5% to 15% by weight of thiencarbazone-methyl, about 15% to 25% byweight of foramsulfuron, and about 25% to 35% by weight ofhalosulfuron-methyl.

In an aspect, the disclosure also provides for a combination describedherein with about 9.9% by weight of thiencarbazone-methyl, about 19.8%by weight of foramsulfuron, and about 30.8% by weight ofhalosulfuron-methyl.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described hereinat a ratio of about 0.1 to 10:0.1 to 10:0.1 to 20 forthiencarbazone-methyl to foramsulfuron to halosulfuron-methyl. In anaspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described herein at aratio of about 0.1 to 5:0.1 to 5:0.1 to 10 for thiencarbazone-methyl toforamsulfuron to halosulfuron-methyl. In an aspect, the disclosureprovides for a combination described herein at a ratio of about 0.5 to1.5:1.5 to 2.5:2.5 to 3.5 for thiencarbazone-methyl to foramsulfuron tohalosulfuron-methyl.

In an aspect, the disclosure also provides for a combination describedherein at a ratio of about 1:2:3 for thiencarbazone-methyl toforamsulfuron to halosulfuron-methyl.

In an aspect, a combination described herein is applied to turfgrass atan application rate of about 0.605 to 1.936 oz active ingredient/A. Inan aspect, a combination described herein is applied to turfgrass at arate of about 0.605 oz active ingredient/A. In an aspect, a combinationdescribed herein is applied to turfgrass at a rate of about 1.21 ozactive ingredient/A. In an aspect, a combination described herein isapplied to turfgrass at a rate of about 1.815 oz active ingredient/A. Inan aspect, a combination described herein is applied to turfgrass at arate of about 1.936 oz active ingredient/A.

In an aspect, a combination described herein is applied to turfgrass ata seasonal maximum rate of about 3.872 oz active ingredient/A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure also provides for a method of treating turfgrass with acombination described herein.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a method of treating weedinfestation of turfgrass. In another aspect, the weed ismonocotyledonous weed. In another aspect, the weed is dicotyledonousweed.

The disclosure also provides for a method of improving the quality ofturfgrass by applying a combination described herein to grass to treatweed infestation.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for an active compound combinationcomprising a triazolinone herbicide, for example,sulfonylamino-carbonyltriazolinone, and at least one sulfonylureaherbicide.

Examples of triazolinone herbicide include sulfentrazone andthiencarbazone-methyl, and examples of sulfonylurea herbicide includeforamsulfuron, flazasulfuron, and rimsulfuron, halosulfuron-methyl,sulfosulfuron, and trifloxysulfuron-sodium.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for an active compound combinationcomprising thiencarbazone-methyl and halosulfuron-methyl. In an aspect,the disclosure provides for an active compound combination comprisingthiencarbazone-methyl and foramsulfuron.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for an active compound combinationcomprising a triazolinone herbicide, for example,sulfonylamino-carbonyltriazolinone, and two sulfonylurea herbicides.

Examples of triazolinone herbicide include sulfentrazone andthiencarbazone-methyl, and examples of one sulfonylurea herbicideinclude foramsulfuron, flazasulfuron, and rimsulfuron, and examples ofthe other sulfonylurea herbicide include halosulfuron-methyl,sulfosulfuron, and trifloxysulfuron-sodium.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for an active compound combinationcomprising thiencarbazone-methyl, foramsulfuron, andhalosulfuron-methyl.

Surprisingly, it has now been found that the above-defined activecompound combination comprising a triazolinone herbicide and at leastone sulfonylurea herbicide, for example thiencarbazone-methyl,foramsulfuron, and halosulfuron-methyl, exhibit a particularly highherbicidal activity combined with turfgrass compatibility, and can beused for the selective control of weeds in turfgrass.

Surprisingly, the herbicidal activity of the active compound combinationaccording to the invention exceeds the total of the action of theindividual active compounds considerably.

Thus, not just a complementation of actions but a synergistic effect ispresent which could not have been predicted. The active compoundcombinations are well tolerated in a variety of warm season turfgrassesalso effecting good control of weeds which are usually difficult tocontrol. Thus, the novel active compound combinations are a valuableaddition to the herbicides.

The synergistic effect of the active compound combinations according tothe invention is particularly strongly pronounced in certainconcentration ratios. However, the weight ratios of the active compoundsin the active compound combinations may be varied within relatively wideranges.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described hereinat a ratio of about 0.5 to 50:0.5-15 for triazolinone herbicide to asulfonylurea herbicide. In an aspect, the disclosure provides for acombination described herein at a ratio of about 0.5 to 25:0.5-10 fortriazolinone herbicide to a sulfonylurea herbicide.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described hereinat a ratio of about 1:3 for triazolinone herbicide to a sulfonylureaherbicide. In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a combinationdescribed herein at a ratio of about 5:1 for triazolinone herbicide to asulfonylurea herbicide. In an aspect, the disclosure provides for acombination described herein at a ratio of about 7.6:1 for triazolinoneherbicide to a sulfonylurea herbicide. In an aspect, the disclosureprovides for a combination described herein at a ratio of about 15.1:1for triazolinone herbicide to a sulfonylurea herbicide. In an aspect,the disclosure provides for a combination described herein at a ratio ofabout 22.7:1 for triazolinone herbicide to a sulfonylurea herbicide.

In an aspect, In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a combinationdescribed herein with about 5% to 15% by weight of a triazolinoneherbicide, about 15% to 25% by weight of a first sulfonylurea herbicide,and about 25% to 35% by weight of a second sulfonylurea herbicide.

The disclosure also provides for a combination described herein withabout 5% to 15% by weight of thiencarbazone-methyl, about 15% to 25% byweight of foramsulfuron, and about 25% to 35% by weight ofhalosulfuron-methyl.

In an aspect, the disclosure also provides for a combination describedherein with about 9.9% by weight of thiencarbazone-methyl, about 19.8%by weight of foramsulfuron, and about 30.8% by weight ofhalosulfuron-methyl.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described hereinat a ratio of about 0.1 to 10:0.1 to 10:0.1 to 20 for triazolinoneherbicide to a first sulfonylurea herbicide to a second sulfonylureaherbicide. In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a combinationdescribed herein at a ratio of about 0.1 to 5:0.1 to 5:0.1 to 10 fortriazolinone herbicide to a first sulfonylurea herbicide to a secondsulfonylurea herbicide. In an aspect, the disclosure provides for acombination described herein at a ratio of about 0.5 to 1.5:1.5 to2.5:2.5 to 3.5 for triazolinone herbicide to a first sulfonylureaherbicide to a second sulfonylurea herbicide.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described hereinat a ratio of about 1:1.5:2.4 for triazolinone herbicide to a firstsulfonylurea herbicide to a second sulfonylurea herbicide. In an aspect,the disclosure provides for a combination described herein at a ratio ofabout 1:2:1 for triazolinone herbicide to a first sulfonylurea herbicideto a second sulfonylurea herbicide. In an aspect, the disclosureprovides for a combination described herein at a ratio of about 1:2:2for triazolinone herbicide to a first sulfonylurea herbicide to a secondsulfonylurea herbicide. In an aspect, the disclosure provides for acombination described herein at a ratio of about 1:2:3 for triazolinoneherbicide to a first sulfonylurea herbicide to a second sulfonylureaherbicide. In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a combinationdescribed herein at a ratio of about 1:2:6 for triazolinone herbicide toa first sulfonylurea herbicide to a second sulfonylurea herbicide. In anaspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described herein at aratio of about 1:2:6.2 for triazolinone herbicide to a firstsulfonylurea herbicide to a second sulfonylurea herbicide. In an aspect,the disclosure provides for a combination described herein at a ratio ofabout 1.5:1:4.8 for triazolinone herbicide to a first sulfonylureaherbicide to a second sulfonylurea herbicide. In an aspect, thedisclosure provides for a combination described herein at a ratio ofabout 2:1:3.1 for triazolinone herbicide to a first sulfonylureaherbicide to a second sulfonylurea herbicide. In an aspect, thedisclosure provides for a combination described herein at a ratio ofabout 3:2:1 for triazolinone herbicide to a first sulfonylurea herbicideto a second sulfonylurea herbicide.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described hereinat a ratio of about 0.1 to 10:0.1 to 10:0.1 to 20 forthiencarbazone-methyl to foramsulfuron to halosulfuron-methyl. In anaspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described herein at aratio of about 0.1 to 5:0.1 to 5:0.1 to 10 for thiencarbazone-methyl toforamsulfuron to halosulfuron-methyl. In an aspect, the disclosureprovides for a combination described herein at a ratio of about 0.5 to1.5:1.5 to 2.5:2.5 to 3.5 for thiencarbazone-methyl to foramsulfuron tohalosulfuron-methyl.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described hereinat a ratio of about 1:1.5:2.4 for thiencarbazone-methyl to foramsulfuronto halosulfuron-methyl. In an aspect, the disclosure provides for acombination described herein at a ratio of about 1:2:1 forthiencarbazone-methyl to foramsulfuron to halosulfuron-methyl. In anaspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described herein at aratio of about 1:2:2 for thiencarbazone-methyl to foramsulfuron tohalosulfuron-methyl. In an aspect, the disclosure provides for acombination described herein at a ratio of about 1:2:3 forthiencarbazone-methyl to foramsulfuron to halosulfuron-methyl. In anaspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described herein at aratio of about 1:2:6 for thiencarbazone-methyl to foramsulfuron tohalosulfuron-methyl. In an aspect, the disclosure provides for acombination described herein at a ratio of about 1:2:6.2 forthiencarbazone-methyl to foramsulfuron to halosulfuron-methyl. In anaspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described herein at aratio of about 1.5:1:4.8 for thiencarbazone-methyl to foramsulfuron tohalosulfuron-methyl. In an aspect, the disclosure provides for acombination described herein at a ratio of about 2:1:3.1 forthiencarbazone-methyl to foramsulfuron to halosulfuron-methyl. In anaspect, the disclosure provides for a combination described herein at aratio of about 3:2:1 for thiencarbazone-methyl to foramsulfuron tohalosulfuron-methyl.

In an aspect, the combination comprising thiencarbazone-methyl,foramsulfuron, and halosulfuron-methyl is in a ratio of about 1:2:3.

In another aspect, an active compound combination described herein canbe prepared, for example, by mixing an active substance with at leastone surfactant, adjuvant, carrier, extender, solvent or diluent,emulsifier, dispersant and/or binder or fixing agent, wetting agent,water repellant, if appropriate siccatives and UV stabilizers and, ifappropriate, dyes and pigments, defoamers, preservatives, secondarythickeners, adhesives, gibberellins and also further processingauxiliaries.

The surfactant can be of the emulsifying or wetting type and can beionic or non-ionic. In another aspect, the disclosure provides forsurfactants that are salts of polyacrylic or lignosulfonic acids; saltsof phenolsulfonic or naphthalenesulfonic acids; polycondensates ofethylene oxide with fatty alcohols or fatty acids or fatty amines orsubstituted phenols (particularly alkylphenols or arylphenols);ester-salts of sulfosuccinic acids; taurine derivatives, such as alkyltaurates; phosphoric esters; or esters of alcohols or polyoxyethylatedphenols.

In an aspect, the carrier refers to a natural or synthetic, organic orinorganic substance which is mixed or combined with the activesubstances for better applicability. The carrier, which may be solid orliquid, is generally inert and, for example, is suitable for use inagriculture.

Suitable solid or liquid carriers can be, for example, ammonium saltsand ground natural minerals, such as kaolins, clays, talc, chalk,quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite or diatomaceous earth, and groundsynthetic minerals, such as finely divided silica, alumina and naturalor synthetic silicates, resins, waxes, solid fertilizers, water,alcohols, especially butanol, organic solvents, mineral and vegetableoils and derivatives of these. Mixtures of such carriers may also beused. Suitable carriers for granules can be, for example, crushed andfractionated natural minerals, such as calcite, marble, pumice,sepiolite, dolomite, and also synthetic granules of inorganic andorganic meals and also granules of organic material, such as sawdust,coconut shells, maize cobs and tobacco stalks.

Suitable liquefied gaseous extenders or carriers can be, for example,liquids which are gaseous at ambient temperature and under atmosphericpressure, for example aerosol propellants, such as halocarbons, and alsobutane, propane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

Tackifiers, such as carboxymethylcellulose and natural and syntheticpolymers in the form of powders, granules and latices, such as gumarabic, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, or else naturalphospholipids, such as cephalins and lecithins and syntheticphospholipids can be used in the formulations. Other possible additivesinclude mineral and vegetable oils.

If the extender used is water, it is also possible, for example, to useorganic solvents as auxiliary solvents. Suitable liquid solvents can be,for example, aromatic compounds, such as xylene, toluene oralkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatic compounds or chlorinatedaliphatic hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes ormethylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane orparaffins, for example mineral oil fractions, mineral and vegetableoils, alcohols, such as butanol or glycol, and also ethers and estersthereof, ketones, such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutylketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents, such asdimethylformamide and dimethyl sulphoxide, and also water. However,sulfonylurea herbicides are often not stable long-term in water.

In another aspect, an active compound combination described herein cancomprise surface-active substances. Suitable surface-active substances,for example, are emulsifiers and/or foam formers, dispersants or wettingagents having ionic or nonionic properties, or mixtures of thesesurface-active substances. Examples of these are salts of polyacrylicacid, salts of lignosulphonic acid, salts of phenolsulphonic acid ornaphthalenesulphonic acid, polycondensates of ethylene oxide with fattyalcohols or with fatty acids or with fatty amines, substituted phenols(preferably alkylphenols or arylphenols), salts of sulphosuccinicesters, taurine derivatives (preferably alkyl taurates), phosphoricesters of polyethoxylated alcohols or phenols, fatty esters of polyols,and derivatives of the compounds containing sulphates, sulphonates andphosphates, for example, alkylaryl polyglycol ethers, alkylsulphonates,alkyl sulphates, arylsulphonates, protein hydrolysates, lignin-sulphitewaste liquors and methylcellulose.

In another aspect, an active compound combination described herein caninclude a colorant, such as an inorganic pigment, for examplephytocyanine, iron oxide, titanium oxide, Prussian blue, and an organicdye, such as alizarin dye, azo dye and metal phthalocyanine dye, andtrace nutrient, such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt,molybdenum and zinc.

In another aspect, an active compound combination described herein mayinclude other additional components, for example protective colloids,binders, adhesives, thickeners, thixotropic substances, penetrants,stabilizers, sequestering agents, complex formers.

An active compound combination according to the invention are generallyapplied in the form of ready mixes. However, the active compoundscontained in the active compound combinations may also be applied in theform of individual formulations which are mixed upon use, that is, inthe form of tank mixes.

In another aspect, an active compound combination described herein canbe combined with an additional actives agent, for example, aninsecticide, attractant, sterilant, bactericide, acaricide, nematicide,fungicide, growth regulator, herbicide, fertilizer, safener, orbiological control agent.

In an aspect, the active compound combination described herein can becombined with a pre-emergent herbicide, such as SPECTICLE® 20 WSPHerbicide (containing the active ingredient Indaziflam), SPECTICLE® FLOHerbicide (containing the active ingredient Indaziflam), RONSTAR® FLOHerbicide (containing the active ingredient Oxadiazon), or RONSTAR® WSPHerbicide (containing the active ingredient Oxadiazon), to obtainpre-emergent and post-emergent activity.

Examples of fertilizers capable of being used with the compositions andmethods described herein include, for example, Urea, Ammonium Nitrate,Ammonium Sulfate, Calcium Nitrate, Diammonium Phosphate, Monoammoniumphosphate, Triple Super Phosphate, Potassium Nitrate, Potassium nitrate,nitrate of potash, Potassium Chloride, muriate of potash, di and monopotassium salts of phosphite/phosphonate.

The active compound combinations can be used as such, in the form oftheir formulations or the use forms which can be prepared from theseformulations by further dilution, such as ready-to-use solutions,suspensions, emulsions, powders, pastes and granules. Application iseffected in the customary manner, for example by pouring, spraying,atomizing, dusting or broadcasting.

In an aspect, an active compound combination described herein is appliedto turfgrass in a single application step. In another aspect, an activecompound combination described herein is applied to a turfgrass in amultiple application steps, for example, two, three, four, five or moreapplication steps.

In yet another aspect, an active compound combination described hereinis applied to turfgrass thereof in one or more application at weedregrowth. In yet another application, an active compound combinationdescribed herein is applied to turfgrass thereof in one or moreapplication 4-6 weeks after initial application.

The instant invention is distinguishable from other herbicide treatmentsknown in the art because in many cases only 2 applications are needed,whereas with MSMA (Monosodium methanearsonate), up to weeklyapplications may be needed.

In an aspect active compound combinations described herein are appliedto grass in separate application steps. In another aspect, activecompound combinations described herein are applied to grass as acomposition in the same application step.

An active compound combination according to the invention can be appliedafter emergence of the plants, that is to say by the post-emergencemethod. Post-emergent turf herbicides are applied to existing weedsi.e., the weeds have germinated & emerged from the soil. The converse ofpost-emergent control is pre-emergent weed control, where the herbicideis applied to prevent germinating weed seeds from emerging from thesoil.

In one aspect, an active compound combination according to the inventionis applied by the post-emergence method wherein an active compoundcombination described herein is applied to turfgrass after theappearance of weeds in grass.

In an aspect, an active compound combination described herein can beused as in the form of suspension concentrates, aerosols, capsulesuspensions, cold-fogging concentrates, warm-fogging concentrates,encapsulated granules, fine granules, flowable concentrates for thetreatment of seed, ready-to-use solutions, dustable powders,emulsifiable concentrates, oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oilemulsions, macrogranules, microgranules, oil-dispersible powders,oil-miscible flowable concentrates, oil-miscible liquids, foams, pastes,pesticide-coated seed, suspoemulsion concentrates, soluble concentrates,suspensions, wettable powders, soluble powders, dusts and granules,water-soluble granules or tablets, water-soluble powders for thetreatment of seed, wettable powders, natural products and syntheticsubstances impregnated with active substance, and alsomicroencapsulations in polymeric substances and in coating materials forseed, and also ULV cold-fogging and warm-fogging formulations.

In an aspect, an active compound combination described herein cancomprise ready-to-use compositions which can be applied with suitableapparatus to the grass or the seed. In another aspect, an activecompound combination described herein can be used in commercialconcentrates which are diluted with water prior to use.

In an aspect, the active compound combination described herein isformulated as an about 60.5% water dispersible granule.

The disclosure also provides for applying an active compound combinationdescribed herein to turfgrass by utilizing, for example, dipping,spraying, atomizing, irrigating, evaporating, dusting, fogging,broadcasting, foaming, painting, spreading-on, drenching, or dripirrigating techniques.

In an aspect, the active compound combination described herein isapplied to turfgrass by spraying. In an aspect, the active compoundcombination described herein is applied at a spray solution pH near 6.

In an aspect, the active compound combination described herein issprayed on turfgrass with a spray adjuvant, for example, NonionicSurfactant, methylated seed oil (MSO), and ammonium sulfate (AMS).

An active compound combination described herein can be applied toturfgrass. In an aspect, the active compound combination is applied as afoliar spray. In an embodiment, an active compound combination areapplied with sufficient water volumes for adequate coverage of foliage,according to the weed growth stage.

In an aspect, an active compound combination described herein is appliedto turfgrass, for example, warm season turfgrasses. Turf species thatthe described compositions can be used on include bermudagrass, andzoysiagrass of golf courses, sport fields, commercial recreationalareas, and sod farms.

Examples of warm season turfgrasses can include, for example,Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp. L. C. Rich), zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.Willd.), St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum Walt Kuntze),centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides Munro Hack.), carpetgrass(Axonopus affinis Chase), Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge),Kikuyugrass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov.), buffalo grass(Buchloe dactyloids (Nutt.) Engelm.), Blue gramma (Bouteloua gracilis(H.B.K.) Lag. ex Griffiths), seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatumSwartz) and sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx. Torr.)

In an aspect, an active compound combination described herein may beapplied to grass infested with weeds, such as annual and perennial grassweeds, sedges and kyllingas, and broadleaf weeds.

Such weeds include dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum), sedges (Cyperusspp.), kyllingas (Kylling a spp.), bull paspalum (Paspalum setaceum),vaseygrass (Paspalum urvillei), Alexandergrass (Brachiaria plantaginea),tropical signalgrass (Urochloa subquadripara), goosegrass (Eleusineindica), doveweed (Murdannia nudiflora), creeping bentgrass (Agrostisstolonifera), annual bluegrass (Poa annua), roughstalk bluegrass (Poatrivialis), transition ryegrass gallium spp.), tall fescue (Schedonorusphoenix/Festuca arundinacea), and crabgrass (Digitaria spp.),dollarweed/pennywort (Hydrocotyle spp.), spurge (Chamaescyce spp.),Virginia buttonweed (Diodia virginiana), little barley (Hordeumpusillum), carpetweed (Mollugo verticillata), common chickweed(Stellaria media), mouseear chickweed (Cerastium vulgatum), hop clover(Trifolium spp.), rabbitfoot clover (Trifolium arvense), white clover(trifolium repens), common vetch (Vicia sativa), cudweed (Gnaphalium,Pseudognaphalium and Gamochaeta spp.), cutleaf evening primrose(Oenothera laciniata), Carolina false dandelion (Pyrrhopappuscarolinianus), Florida pusley (Richardia scabra), hairy bittercress(Cardamine hirsuta), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), knawel (Scleranthusannuus), London rocket (Sisymbrium irio), buckhorn plantain (Plantagolanceolata), paleseed plantain (Plantago virginica), sphepherdspurse(Capsella bursa-pastoris), corn speedwell (Veronica arvensis), Texastoadflax (Nuttallanthus texanus), common cocklebur (Xanthiumstrumarium), Philadelphia fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus), Venicemallow (Hibiscus trionum), maypop passionflower (Passiflora incarnata),redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), common pokeweed (PhytolaccaAmericana), wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum), common ragweed(Ambrosia artemisiifolia), giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida),Pennsylvania smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum), common sunflower(Helianthus annus), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), bahiagrass(Paspalum notatum), Carolina geranium (Geranium carolinanum),parsley-piert (Aphanes microcarpa), spurge (Chamaesyce spp.), and yellowwoodsorrel (Oxalis stricta).

The method of the present invention improves turfgrass by controllingweeds. Though not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed thatthe active compound combination described herein is readily absorbed bythe foliage and translocated to the site of action in the growing pointsof the susceptible plant. It inhibits the enzyme acetolactase synthase(ALS), also known as acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS). The ALS enzymecatalyzes the first step in the biosynthesis of the essential branchedchain amino acids (valine, leucine, and isoleucine). The lowered levelsof ALS enzyme and branched chain amino acids trigger further biochemicalevents culminating in the death of the weed.

The present compositions can be applied at higher rates under severeweed growth. In an embodiment, the present compositions are used inconjunction with best turf management practices as is well known to oneof ordinary skill in the art.

In an aspect, a combination described herein is applied to turfgrass atan application rate of about 0.605 to 1.936 oz active ingredient/A. Inan aspect, a combination described herein is applied to turfgrass at arate of about 0.605 oz active ingredient/A. In an aspect, a combinationdescribed herein is applied to turfgrass at a rate of about 1.21 ozactive ingredient/A. In an aspect, a combination described herein isapplied to turfgrass at a rate of about 1.815 oz active ingredient/A. Inan aspect, a combination described herein is applied to turfgrass at arate of about 1.936 oz active ingredient/A.

In an aspect, a combination described herein is applied to turfgrass ata seasonal maximum rate of about 3.872 oz active ingredient/A.

In an aspect, an active compound combination described herein areapplied at the same time in a single application step or sequentially.

In an aspect, an active compound combination described herein areapplied individually or mixed and applied at the same time.

An active compound combination of the invention can be applied by knownmethods. In an aspect, an active compound combination described hereinis formulated as a concentrate to be diluted upon use. In anotheraspect, the components are separately formulated and then mixed in atank. In yet another aspect, the concentrated formulations of theindividual active substances are mixed with water in the tank and theresulting spray mixture being applied.

In an aspect, methods and compositions presented herein are directed toprotecting grass under a condition of weed growth. In another aspect,methods and compositions presented herein are directed to improvinggrass quality, density, color.

In an aspect, methods and compositions presented herein are directed toprotecting turfgrass under a condition of weed growth by controllingweeds for the present weed growing season.

In an aspect, methods and compositions presented herein are directed toprotecting grass under a condition of weed growth by controlling weedsfor the subsequent weed growing seasons, for example, dallisgrass.

The good herbicidal action of the new active compound combinations canbe seen from the examples which follow. While the individual activecompounds show weaknesses with regard to their herbicidal action, thecombinations all show a very good herbicidal action which exceeds asimple sum of actions.

A synergistic effect in herbicides is present when the herbicidal actionof the active compound combination exceeds the action of the activecompounds when applied individually.

The expected action for a given combination of two herbicides can becalculated as follows (cf. COLBY, S. R.: “Calculating synergistic andantagonistic responses of herbicide combinations”, Weeds 15, pages20-22, 1967):

If

X=% damage by herbicide A (active compound of the formula I) at anapplication rate of p kg/ha

and

Y=% damage by herbicide B (active compound of the formula II) at anapplication rate of q kg/ha

and

E=the expected damage of herbicides A+B at an application rate of p+qkg/ha,

thenE=X+Y−(X*Y/100).

Colby's formula can be extended to apply to three-way combinations.

Thus if

Z=% damage by herbicide C (active compound of the formula III) at anapplication rate of r kg/ha

and

E=the expected damage of herbicides A+B+C at an application rate ofp+q+r kg/ha,

thenE=X+Y+Z−(XY+XZ+YZ)/100+XYZ/10,000

If the actual damage exceeds the calculated value, the combination has asuperadditive effect, that is to say a synergistic effect.

The following examples serve to illustrate certain aspects of thedisclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Plots approximately 2-4.6 m² in size are contain a natural infestationof the weed dallisgrass. Using a CO₂ propelled backpack sprayer,thiencarbazone-methyl (TCM), foramsulfuron (foram), andhalosulfuron-methyl (halo) are applied on their own and in acombination, by post-emergence method, to the dallisgrass, at theapplication rates specified. The application rates for each compound andcombination are equivalent to each other. All treatments included anon-ionic surfactant. After 42 days, 48 days, and 16 weeks aftertreatment, the degree of damage to the plants is rated in % damage incomparison to the development of the untreated control.

The figures denote:

-   -   0%=no effect (like untreated control)    -   100%=total destruction.

TABLE 1 Active Ingredient Application Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 ActiveIngredient Rate (g/ha) (16 WAT) (42 DAA) (48 DAA) foramsulfuron 28.7831.5 76.7 35 thiencarbazone- 15 85.25 65 51 methyl halosulfuron- 69.9 00 −9 methyl foram + TCM + 28.78 + 15 + 69.9 94.25 83.3 52 halo (Actual)foram + TCM + 28.78 + 15 + 69.9 89.90 91.85 65.28 halo (Expected)

As can be seen from Table 1, there is synergistic effect for thecombination of thiencarbazone-methyl, foramsulfuron andhalosulfuron-methyl in Trial 1 against dallisgrass. However, forcomparison Trials 2 and 3, no such effect is seen because the trialswere initiated too early prior to dallisgrass entering winter dormancy.

Example 2

Glasshouse plots approximately 1.1 m² in size are planted with the weedTall Fescue. Using a 1 nozzle motorized track sprayer,thiencarbazone-methyl (BYH18636), foramsulfuron (Revolver®), andhalosulfuron-methyl (Sedgehammer®) are applied on their own and incombination with each other (a combination of thiencarbazone-methyl,foramsulfuron, and halosulfuron-methyl is SP102000025052), bypost-emergence method, to the weed Tall Fescue, at the application ratesspecified. The application rates for each compound and combination areequivalent to each other.

After 14 and 27 days after treatment, the degree of damage to the plantsis rated in % damage in comparison to the development of the untreatedcontrol.

The figures denote:

-   -   0%=no effect (like untreated control)    -   100%=total destruction.

TABLE 2 Entry Entry Entry/Trt. Dosage Transformed Transformed No. TypeDescription Dosage Unit Dosage Dosage Unit 0 DAA 14 DAA 27 DAA 1 PRODUCTUNTREATED 0 0 0 UNTREATED 3 PRODUCT BYH18636 14.58 G A/HA 0.2973 OZ/A 026.3 52.5 THIENCARBAZONE-METHYL 14.58 PROD_ADJ NIS 0.25 % V/V 0.25 % V/VNON-IONIC SURFACTANT 750 g Al 4 PRODUCT REVOLVER (NEW FORMULATION) 29.12G A/HA 17.63 OZ/A 0 7.5 27.5 FORAMSULFURON 29.12 PROD_ADJ NIS 0.25 % V/V0.25 % V/V NON-IONIC SURFACTANT 750 g Al 5 PRODUCT SEDGEHAMMER TURF HERB45.3 G A/HA 0.862 OZ/A 0 0 0 HALOSULFURON-METHYL 45.3 PROD_ADJ NIS 0.25% V/V 0.25 % V/V NON-IONIC SURFACTANT 750 g Al 6 PRODUCT BYH18636 14.58G A/HA 0.2973 OZ/A 0 51.3 76.3 THIENCARBAZONE-METHYL 14.58 PRODUCTREVOLVER (NEW FORMULATION) 29.12 G A/HA 17.63 OZ/A FORAMSULFURON 29.12PROD_ADJ NIS 0.25 % V/V 0.25 % V/V NON-IONIC SURFACTANT 750 g Al 7PRODUCT BYH18636 14.58 G A/HA 0.2973 OZ/A 0 33.8 62.5THIENCARBAZONE-METHYL 14.58 PRODUCT SEDGEHAMMER TURF HERB 45.3 G A/HA0.862 OZ/A HALOSULFURON-METHYL 45.3 PROD_ADJ NIS 0.25 % V/V 0.25 % V/VNON-IONIC SURFACTANT 750 g Al 8 PRODUCT REVOLVER (NEW FORMULATION) 29.12G A/HA 17.63 OZ/A 0 12.5 26.3 FORAMSULFURON 29.12 PRODUCT SEDGEHAMMERTURF HERB 45.3 G A/HA 0.862 OZ/A HALOSULFURON-METHYL 45.3 PROD_ADJ NIS0.25 % V/V 0.25 % V/V NON-IONIC SURFACTANT 750 g Al 2 PRODUCTSP102000025052 (ACTUAL) 89 G A/HA 2.1 OZ/A 0 55 82.5THIENCARBAZONE-METHYL 14.58 FORAMSULFURON 29.12 HALOSULFURON-METHYL 45.3PROD_ADJ NIS 0.25 % V/V 0.25 % V/V NON-IONIC SURFACTANT 750 g Al — TCM +foram + halo + NIS (EXPECTED) 31.83 65.56 10  PRODUCT BYH18636 22.2 GA/HA 0.4527 OZ/A 0 42.5 75 THIENCARBAZONE-METHYL 22.2 PROD_ADJ NIS 0.25% V/V 0.25 % V/V NON-IONIC SURFACTANT 750 g Al 11  PRODUCT REVOLVER (NEWFORMULATION) 44.37 G A/HA 26.87 OZ/A 0 12 26.3 FORAMSULFURON 44.37PROD_ADJ NIS 0.25 % V/V 0.25 % V/V NON-IONIC SURFACTANT 750 g Al 12 PRODUCT SEDGEHAMMER TURF HERB 69 G A/HA 1.313 OZ/A 0 0 0HALOSULFURON-METHYL 69 PROD_ADJ NIS 0.25 % V/V 0.25 % V/V NON-IONICSURFACTANT 750 g Al 13  PRODUCT BYH18636 22.2 G A/HA 0.4527 OZ/A 0 35 75THIENCARBAZONE-METHYL 22.2 PRODUCT REVOLVER (NEW FORMULATION) 44.37 GA/HA 26.87 OZ/A FORAMSULFURON 44.37 PROD_ADJ NIS 0.25 % V/V 0.25 % V/VNON-IONIC SURFACTANT 750 g Al 14  PRODUCT BYH18636 22.2 G A/HA 0.4527OZ/A 0 22.5 63.8 THIENCARBAZONE-METHYL 22.2 PRODUCT SEDGEHAMMER TURFHERB 69 G A/HA 1.313 OZ/A HALOSULFURON-METHYL 69 PROD_ADJ NIS 0.25 % V/V0.25 % V/V NON-IONIC SURFACTANT 750 g Al 15  PRODUCT REVOLVER (NEWFORMULATION) 44.37 G A/HA 26.87 OZ/A 0 12.5 28.8 FORAMSULFURON 44.37PRODUCT SEDGEHAMMER TURF HERB 69 G A/HA 1.313 OZ/A HALOSULFURON-METHYL69 PROD_ADJ NIS 0.25 % V/V 0.25 % V/V NON-IONIC SURFACTANT 750 g AlNON-IONIC SURFACTANT 9 PRODUCT SP102000025052 135.6 G A/HA 3.2 OZ/A 043.6 66.3 THIENCARBAZONE-METHYL 22.2 FORAMSULFURON 44.37HALOSULFURON-METHYL 69 PROD_ADJ NIS 0.25 % V/V 0.25 % V/V NON-IONICSURFACTANT 750 g Al — TCM + foram + halo + NIS (EXPECTED) 49.4 81.58

According to Colby, the formulas are most accurate when values of X, Y,and Z are near the 50% level since the dose-response curves deviateleast from linearity at the 50% level. A dose response was conducted onthe 3-way blend against tall fescue in the greenhouse. Through thisexperiment, it was determined the ‘correct’ dose for testing in thegreenhouse was 2.1 oz./A (1.271 oz active ingredient/A). As can be seenfrom Table 2, there is synergistic effect for the combination ofthiencarbazone-methyl, foramsulfuron and halosulfuron-methyl at anapplication rate of 2.1 oz/A (1.271 oz active ingredient/A) against theweed tall fescue. However, no such effect is seen at a higherapplication rate of 3.2 oz/A (1.936 oz active ingredient/A).

The invention claimed is:
 1. An active compound combination to controlweeds in turfgrass comprising: about 5% to 15% by weight ofthiencarbazone-methyl, about 15% to 25% by weight of foramsulfuron, andabout 25% to 35% by weight of halosulfuron-methyl.
 2. A turf grasshaving applied thereon an active compound combination according toclaim
 1. 3. A seed having applied thereon an active compound combinationaccording to claim
 1. 4. An active compound combination according toclaim 1, which act synergistically.
 5. An active compound combinationaccording to claim 1, wherein thiencarbazone-methyl, foramsulfuron, andhalosulfuron-methyl are the only active compounds in the combination. 6.An active compound combination according to claim 1, comprising about9.9% by weight of thiencarbazone-methyl, about 19.8% by weight offoramsulfuron, and 30.8% by weight of halosulfuron-methyl.
 7. A methodof controlling weeds in turfgrass comprising applying an effectiveamount of a combination according to claim 1 to the weeds at a timewhich is post-emergence of said weeds.
 8. The method according to claim7, wherein the thiencarbazone-methyl, foramsulfuron, andhalosulfuron-methyl are applied at a ratio of about 0.5 to 50:0.5 to 15of (i) thiencarbazone-methyl to (ii) foramsulfuron andhalosulfuron-methyl.
 9. The method according to claim 7, wherein thethiencarbazone-methyl, foramsulfuron, and halosulfuron-methyl areapplied to said weeds at a rate of about 0.605 to 1.936 oz activeingredient/A, with a seasonal maximum rate of about 3.872 oz activeingredient/A.
 10. The method according to claim 7, wherein thethiencarbazone-methyl, foramsulfuron, and halosulfuron-methyl areapplied at a ratio of about 0.1 to 10:0.1 to 10:0.1 to
 20. 11. Themethod according to claim 7, wherein thiencarbazone-methyl,foramsulfuron, and halosulfuron-methyl are applied a ratio of about1:2:3.
 12. The method according to claim 7, wherein the weeds areselected from the group consisting of dallisgrass, sedges, kyllingas,bull paspalum, vaseygrass, Alexandergrass, tropical signalgrass, tallfescue, and crabgrass.
 13. The method according to claim 7, wherein theturfgrass is warm season turfgrass.
 14. The method according to claim13, wherein the turfgrass is bermudagrass or zoysiagrass.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 7, wherein the weeds are controlled for at least onesubsequent turf growing season.
 16. The method according to claim 7,wherein a synergistic effect is observed against the weeds.
 17. Themethod according to claim 7, wherein the thiencarbazone-methyl,foramsulfuron, and halosulfuron-methyl are in water-dispersible granuleform.
 18. The method according to claim 7, wherein thethiencarbazone-methyl, foramsulfuron, and halosulfuron-methyl areapplied together or sequentially.
 19. The method according to claim 7,wherein the thiencarbazone-methyl, foramsulfuron, andhalosulfuron-methyl are applied to the weeds by spraying.